The Wave of the Future: Marine Renewable Energy

Washington Sea Grant Marine Renewable Energy Seminar Series

Tuesday, Aug. 15th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in Forks, WA

and

Monday, Aug. 21st, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Port Townsend, WA

The crash of breaking waves and the relentless motion of the tides speak to powerful forces at work in the ocean—forces that could be used to produce electricity. What is the outlook for technologies that seek to generate power from, or on the sea? Learn more about the future of this potential energy source at a Washington Sea Grant Marine Renewable Energy Seminar.

A panel of experts from the University of Washington Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center (NNMREC) will discuss the ocean’s potential contribution to future energy needs at two evening public seminars this month. Speakers will cover current marine renewable energy (MRE) technologies, and forces that are likely to shape MRE development in the United States, particularly off the Washington coast and in Puget Sound. The panel will present environmental, social and engineering challenges and opportunities, including ongoing research to understand and proactively address these issues.

This unique seminar series offers Washington residents the opportunity to learn from and ask questions of MRE experts. The public is encouraged to submit questions ahead of time via the seminar series webpage: https://wsg.washington.edu/marine-renewable-energy/. By highlighting existing UW expertise and research, the seminar goal is to inform public engagement in possible future decisions about MRE.

These seminars will provide an overview of the many ways energy can be harvested from wind, waves and currents; examine types of MRE technologies that are suited for Washington’s outer coast and inland waters; discuss the potential environmental impacts of MRE development and how to minimize them; and assess the economic benefits of MRE for Washington residents.

The seminar series is organized by Washington Sea Grant (WSG), based at the University of Washington’s College of the Environment and is presented by WSG in partnership with the UW Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center, the Northwest Straits Initiative, the Skagit, Jefferson, and North Pacific Coast Marine Resources Committees, and the Northwest Maritime Center.

Washington Sea Grant, based at the University of Washington, provides statewide research, outreach, and education services addressing the challenges facing our ocean and coasts. The National Sea Grant College Program is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. www.wsg.washington.edu.